Worcester City Council has announced that it will be offering people on low incomes subsidised pest control as part of an initiative organised by the Green Party.
Worcester resident Miriam Durgut said she is concerned about the safety of the products used.
She claimed the new initiative could pose a threat to wildlife and pets in Worcestershire.
Ms Durgut said: “If Worcestershire wildlife eats a poisoned rat, like a fox, or bird they will die too.
“Surely Worcester City Council could do rat traps like the blue bait boxes seen at Blackpole Retail Park, which is safe for wildlife. I will not argue in helping people with financial hardships, but only if it’s safe.”
In a statement, Worcester City Council said: “The subsidised pest control service uses contractors to deliver the service who have been subject to a rigorous tendering process to include quality of service and adherence to appropriate standards and controls.
“Bait boxes are used, as the guiding principle is that non-target wildlife should be protected. Indeed, the service encourages those eligible to employ our contractor instead of laying bait themselves.”